JACKSON, Wyo. — The Town of Jackson, the Jackson City Police Department and the Jackson / Teton County Animal Shelter want everyone to take certain precautions in order to ensure for a spookily fun and safe Halloween.

The following tips and information are reminders about safety during Halloween trick-or-treating.

Do It Safe

  • Motorists should be overly cautious. Children sometimes forget to watch for cars and might dart out of the darkness and onto the road.
  • Parents should strongly consider accompanying children while they are trick-or-treating.
  • Inspect all candy before a child eats it and do not allow them to eat any homemade items or any candy that is not in its original packaging.
  • Please dress children appropriately for the weather.
  • Children should carry a light or glow stick to increase visibility.
  • Children should never enter a residence or get into a vehicle without their parent’s permission.

Remember to take care of pets during trick-or-treating. The Jackson / Teton County Animal Shelter reminds everyone that animals don’t have any idea what Halloween is all about and they may become agitated when noisy, costumed children come running up to their house.

  • Keep pets in a secure location so they feel safe and don’t feel the need to protect the family from creepy costumed creatures.
  • Do not let pets ingest sugar, and chocolate in particular is very harmful to dogs.
  • If an animal goes missing on Halloween, call the Animal Shelter and / or police department to see if anyone has turned in or called about a lost pet.

Do It Smart

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Halloween signified rebellion against authority and the eve of Halloween or Mischief Night, was a night for tricks, pranks and treachery. By the 1930s, the pranks turned into vandalism, resulting in millions of dollars of damage to U.S. cities, according to the Library of Congress. 

Jackson Hole Crimestoppers urges Halloween revelers to temper their activities with common sense. Halloween activities should be fun and not harmful. A prank that results in damage is a criminal act.

If others are engaging in inappropriate behavior, report it to the Jackson City Police Department by calling 307-733-1430 or call Crimestoppers at 307-733-5148.

Buckrail posts these safety reminders annually.